Niepołomice is a town that has set a goal to combat energy poverty. In 2023, thanks to tools provided by EPAH, the municipality received technical support and launched a program titled "Energy cooperatives as a response to the problem of energy poverty in Niepołomice." In recent months, not only representatives of the City and Municipal Office have been involved in the implementation of activities, but also the Lepsze Niepołomice Foundation and the Kraków Metropolis Association, with the Association of Municipalities Polish Network "Energie Cités" acting as an expert.
As part of the EPAH Technical Assistance Program in Niepołomice, during the initial months of cooperation, efforts were made to select the most beneficial form of energy community that would bring maximum benefits to residents, especially those affected by energy poverty. A meeting with local leaders was also held to discuss the appropriate form of support for vulnerable energy consumers. The result of these discussions was the development of the concept of an energy cooperative involving, among others, households most at risk of energy poverty.
The municipality is currently conducting an educational campaign aimed at promoting energy savings and encouraging the establishment of energy cooperatives. Articles on the benefits of renewable energy sources, cooperative membership, and the possibilities of obtaining subsidies have appeared on the website, in social media and in the local press. In addition, a brochure explaining the basics of participation in energy cooperatives, containing practical tips for improving the energy situation, is available to residents. Realistically, this support will also include the opportunity for residents to contact municipal employees and experts directly to receive advice on setting up energy cooperatives, saving energy, and more.
In 2023, Roman Ptak, the Mayor of Niepołomice, emphasized: "Energy cooperatives are a novelty, but also the future and security. These entities connect households that can afford energy transformation with those that cannot. The final result of such a project is that all participants of the energy cooperative have cheaper electricity."
However, Niepołomice is not stopping at this stage. Ultimately, a pilot project will be launched in the municipality, involving 10 households that will form an energy cooperative. The final result will be the inclusion of 1 to 3 energy-vulnerable households, while the other members will share the costs of a photovoltaic installation on the roof of their multi-family building. That way, all residents will be able to benefit from membership in such a community. A key element will not only be identifying vulnerable households but also engaging the local community. To support this process, plans include organizing training and promotional events to involve residents in this initiative and raise awareness about the effective use of energy. The City and Municipal Office of Niepołomice announces its assistance and support for the founders of the energy cooperative in preparing the necessary documentation and finding financing opportunities for the installation.
The preparatory actions for the launch of the pilot project were financed by the EPAH Energy Poverty Advisory Hub, which aims to provide local government units and collaborating entities with assistance in analyzing the phenomenon of energy poverty in their area and planning local actions to help reduce it.
